Tennis Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a tendinopathy of the origin of the ECRB tendon.

The lateral epicondyle is the origin of the common wrist extensor tendon, including:

ECRL

ECRB

Extensor digitorum communis

Extensor carpi ulnaris

The ECRB lies beneath the ECRL.

These extensors stabilize the wrist and are used in sports (such as tennis) during a backhand stroke.

Lateral epicondylitis typically occurs from overuse in the nonathlete’s dominant arm during the 4th and 5th decades.

General Prevention

Use of good form while playing tennis (i.e., proper grip size, backhand technique)

Epidemiology

Occurs equally in males and females

Incidence

The peak incidence is in the 5th decade .

Risk Factors

Patients are susceptible with activities of repetitive supination and pronation of the forearm in which the elbow is near full extension (such as in tennis).

Although tennis elbow is its common name, lateral epicondylitis can be seen in other racket sports, fencing, and certain occupations with repetitive actions (e.g., plumbing, painting, knitting, and dentistry).